I’m not very good at goodbyes. I get emotional. Luckily, behind the shield of my keyboard, you won’t have to be witness to any of that.
I write this shortly after resigning my position as managing editor of Fishing Tackle Retailer. It’s a job I’ve enjoyed for nearly nine years, but it’s time to move on to something else, and as much as I feel the pangs of leaving, I’m even more excited about the prospects of something new.
I have a lot of people to thank for my time and experiences at FTR. I worked with and for some wonderful people. All of them helped me grow as a professional and as a human being. It felt like a family—the ups and the downs…and there were very few downs.
My bosses—the previous publishers of FTR, Brian Thurston and Carlton Veirs—were kind enough and trusting enough to mostly leave me to my own devices. When they stepped in, they made things easier and better. They listened to me, allowed me to have real input, and treated me with respect. I can only hope that their experience with me was as positive as mine with them. I hope we’ll be friends moving forward.
The team that I worked with to put the magazine together and oversee the efforts to maintain and advance all the moving parts of FTR was and is extremely talented, enormously thoughtful, and relentlessly professional. Abby, Barbara, Clem, Craig, Deborah, Gary, Joe, Matthew, Michael, Nathan, Polly, Seth, Toby, Trisha, and Zoe (I list them alphabetically in hopes of not leaving anyone out), thank you for your efforts, your friendship, and the lessons you taught me.
The freelance writers and contributors I worked with were instrumental in providing the content that makes FTR so valuable. They are simultaneously well compensated for that work, but may be underappreciated for all they brought to the mix.
And since you’re reading this, I need to thank you, too. I’ve met a lot of amazing industry people in my time with FTR. Many of you have become good friends. Many more have taught me eye-opening lessons about our industry. Some few have even been cautionary tales. I hope our relationships do not end here.
As you certainly know, the fishing industry is not for the faint of heart or feeble of mind. It’s a true survival of the fittest, and if you’re an industry survivor, know that I celebrate you.
FTR is in very capable hands moving forward. The new publisher, Angie Thompson, is a longtime industry professional with a diverse and impressive résumé. She will lead a terrific team that I’ve had the pleasure to work with for nearly a decade.
I wish her and the rest of that team all the best and look forward to seeing them down the road we’ll travel together.
If you’re wondering, I am not leaving the industry, just changing focus. I expect you’ll be hearing from me as I write, record, consult, and find other ways to contribute to the sport we love.
One thing I try to say to everyone in our industry is, “I want to help you. Please tell me how I can do that.” That sentiment and attitude doesn’t change just because I leave FTR. I am as committed as ever to growing our sport, improving our businesses, and contributing to the tide that will lift all our boats.
All the best,
Ken
